When I hear the phrase 'Light of Day' I get a big smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. I know, it sounds corny, but it's true. At one time, it was simply a song from a movie that Bruce Springsteen wrote, then it was a bootleg CD that I had and then....well, you know the rest. Or maybe you don't.

A little over 10 years ago...I remember I was outside cutting my grass...it was the summer of '07. My wife came out with the phone. It was a friend, Mike Minervini, and he said that he'd been talking to Joe D'Urso from the band Joe D'Urso and Stone Caravan and they were interested in holding a Light of Day show here in Niagara. Mike thought it was a good idea, and he wondered if I would help. At the time, DANIMA Technologies Inc. was doing work for the extremely talented singer/songwriter from Pittsburgh PA, Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers and Joe was a big part of Light of Day down in Asbury. In fact, he was the main reason The Boss showed up to the shows. So, needless to say, I was very aware of the show and Bruce's connection to the cause. Joe's manager, Bob Benjamin, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1998 and Bob is the founder of the Light of Day concerts/benefit shows and Joe had been a part of their shows from the very beginning. It was an interesting proposition to hold the first ever Light of Day show in Canada and the music fan in me thought "hmmm, this could be fun", but the business man in me thought "hmmm, this is going to be a lot of work". I ended up being right on both accounts.

For the past 10 years, in the words of my friend, Joe Grushecky, it's been a "Labour of Love". Still, during this time, with all the work and planning that these shows entail, I have been blessed to have made some great friends, and have been a part of some amazing musical performances. I feel extremely lucky to have had some of my childhood musical favorites performing at our shows including Gary Bonds, Southside Johnny, Steve Earle, John Cafferty, and Steve Forbert. I have had dinner and spent hours talking music with one of my musical heroes, John Cafferty! I have sat at the table with Vinnie Pastore (The Sopranos) and WWE legend Roddy Rowdy Piper. I've stood backstage in Jersey beside Bruce Springsteen. I've been lucky enough to meet Bruce several times. My son has been on stage with Mr. Spingsteen and shared the stage with Willie Nile, Southside Johnny, Joe Grushecky, and Bobby Mahoney! I got to see one of my favorite albums (Guitar Town) played in its entirety (4 times) by one of my all-time favorite artists (Steve Earle). Finally and most recently, watching my son, Evan, perform 2 songs at Light of Day Niagara's 10th Anniversary show. A very proud Dad.  These are just a few of the amazing memories that have been created through this journey over the past 10 years. It's not lost on me, how lucky I am!

Light of Day is more than just a concert series though, it's a family. I'm simply an adopted member of the family who is humbled by the work that is done by the founders and leaders of the LOD movement; Joe D'Urso, Tony Pallagrosi, Jean Milke and Bob Benjamin (and their team). If you haven't been down to the shore in Asbury Park for their newly named, Winterfest, you have to go. It's a celebration of music, friendship, and awareness. It's a community of like-minded people raising money and raising awareness for Parkinson's disease, ALS and other neurological ailments. 

Sadly over the years we lost key members of our family. Wonderful individuals who helped forge many of the afore mentioned memories over the past 10 years. Soldiers in the fight. Cousin Betty, my buddy Don, Mr. Lou, Roddy Piper, Paul, Steve and Eddie Mac, to name a few! Their smiles, their support, their friendship and their heart will always be a part of my Light of Day!

What lies ahead after 10 years remains to be seen? But I know one thing, when this disease is finally cured, we can all look back and know that we were a part of it. 

Just around the corner, 

DANIMA Dave